Saddle up for a real Western adventure when the Gateway Arch's Museum of Westward Expansion in St. Louis, Missouri presents its annual Night at the Museum event on March 23, 2013, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Attendees will have the chance to meet a variety of historical characters and hear their tales of settling the American West. The evening of fun will also feature a variety of hands-on activities for children.

Tickets are just $15 per person, and admission is free for kids two and under. The ticket price includes a tram ride to the top of the Arch and a hot dog dinner with chips and a drink for all guests. All kids ages 3-15 will receive one free child's ticket for a future Gateway Arch riverboat sightseeing cruise with their Night at the Museum ticket purchase.

Among the historical characters scheduled to be on hand for the event include pioneers, mountain men and frontier soldiers. All will be dressed in traditional 19th century clothing and will answer questions and share tales about what it was like to live and work in the American West.

Kids will also have the chance to take part in several Old West-themed hands-on activities, including buffalo chip races, making their own branding irons, exploring a tipi and learning about keel boat cordelling.

"This is one night of the year that the Gateway Arch's Museum of Westward Expansion really comes to life," said Ann Honious, chief of museum services and interpretation, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

"It's a fun evening for families young and old alike," she added. "The event gives individuals the chance to explore all that the Gateway Arch has to offer, and is a fun way to learn about the pioneer days and the people who helped settle our great nation. Availability to the event is limited, so we encourage all those interested in attending to purchase their tickets as soon as possible."

Reservations for "Night at the Museum" are required. Tickets for the event are $15 dollars per person and can be purchased by calling 877-982-1410. Online reservations can also be made at www.gatewayarch.com.Those booking online will receive free parking. Admission to the event is free for children age 2 and under.

The Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch are part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis.

The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. During the winter months, the Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Night at the Museum is presented by the National Park Service; its cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association; and Metro.